A: The BASIC account represents the mandatory, non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-cumulative portion of all residence meal plans. It is a non-taxable account saving you up to 13% and can be used for food purchases on campus only. The FLEX account is an optional account that allows you to continue non-taxable purchases of food on campus once the Basic account is exhausted. The FREEDOM account gives you ability to purchase confectionary and non-food items on campus at Hospitality Services locations and to dine at the participating Off-Campus vendors. All purchases made from the FREEDOM account will be subject to the appropriate taxes. At any time during the academic year, you can deposit into the FLEX and/or FREEDOM account or transfer monies between your FLEX and FREEDOM accounts. Unused funds in the FLEX and FREEDOM accounts will be automatically carried over to the next term or can be refunded to you, so there’s no risk involved!

A: No matter which residence meal plan you select, the BASIC portion of your plan is non-refundable except on a prorated basis upon withdrawal from residence, subject to the charges specified in point 12 of the Residence Meal Plan Policy. Only the unused portion of your FLEX and/or FREEDOM account is fully refundable upon withdrawal. The unused portion of your FLEX and/or FREEDOM account will remain in your account for future purchases or can be refunded upon a written request.

A: Every time you make a purchase, you can see the total amount of all your meal plan accounts on the customer display. Better yet, use our secure internet access to your meal plan information at http://mealcard.mcmaster.ca/acctnfo.htm. Once there, you are able to check your meal plan balance and review your transaction history. The web access also allows you to deactivate your meal card as soon as you notice it missing, as well as to change your meal account PIN.

A: There are two meal plan groups, Group-A and Group-B, and within these groups there are five meal plan sizes. Any student living in a traditional residence must choose a meal plan from Group-A. Students living in Bates or Mary E. Keyes Residence must choose a meal plan from either Group-A or Group-B. Refer to the Residence Meal Plan Details for clarification. You may add extra monies to your Flex and/or Freedom account at any time.

A: Each individual has their own eating patterns and tastes, and there are many factors in choosing what to eat and when to eat it. This page has a listing of menu selections and prices for most locations http://hospitality.mcmaster.ca/menu/menu.html.

A: Students with special dietary needs due to health or religious restrictions must contact Hospitality Services for written confirmation that their needs can be met within the residence meal plan before making a decision to apply for residence, as the meal plan is mandatory for all students living in McMaster University residences.

A: Hospitality Services publishes a weekly menu, “Dining on Campus” listing entrees available at our full service dining locations. Vegetarian options are identified on this menu which is posted in your residence, in all our dining locations and on our website.

A: The Student Dining Committee meets bi-weekly during the academic year to discuss concerns and issues regarding dining on campus, and to give feedback to Hospitality Services. You are represented on this committee by delegates from each residence hall on campus, the Inter-Residence Council, McMaster Students Union and off campus students. Many initiatives are introduced every year to benefit campus life. We also encourage you to use our “Questions/Answers” comment sheets found in our dining locations. Simply pin your question to the info board and your answer will appear within 48 hours!